Energy-absorbent fastener holder to connect steering column jacket

摘要

The holder has a frame (14) with window (16) for the column jacket (10), and the window is defined by integrated flat walls (18,20,22) of plastically deformable material. A carrier flange (32) rigidly connects column jacket and frame. A fastener flange (44) and one of the flat walls (18) define a flat platform. The frame is rigidly connected to the vehicle body, and extends on either side of the fastener flange. A reinforcing flange (56) extends around the frame exterior. It is formed integrally with the flat walls, and stiffens them against bending. This causes the walls to bend permanently absorbing energy, when the load acting on it exceeds the yield strength of the frame material.